Senior Propulsion Engineer

Castelion Corporation•Torrance, CA

About The Position

The Senior Propulsion Engineer owns the design of solid rocket motor primary and secondary structures and key propulsion components. The role supports delivery at speed and scale by developing technically sound designs that meet schedule, affordability, and production goals. The engineer translates project objectives into cost-effective, scalable designs; develops solid rocket motor designs with autonomy; supports prototype and production assembly, testing, and troubleshooting; and uses rapid iteration to validate performance and make design adjustments. The position also involves producing, evaluating, and authorizing CAD models and drawings to internal standards and ASME Y14.5-2009 guidelines, resolving hardware discrepancies with supporting analyses when needed, and collaborating with supply chain to address availability risks and delays. The role requires a relevant engineering or physics degree and at least five years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience. The engineer should communicate effectively across functions and document and present design work. The position may require extended hours and/or weekend work with minimal notice to meet critical milestones, as well as ongoing travel up to 30%. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance are required; an active clearance is preferred.

Requirements

Bachelor's or advanced degree in aerospace engineering, manufacturing engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, or physics.
At least 5 years of mechanical or fluids design, analysis, or build experience; student project team, university rocketry club, and internship experience count.
Effective communication skills for cross-functional collaboration, presenting design concepts, and documenting work.
Willingness and ability to work extended hours and/or weekends with minimal notification to meet critical deadlines before major milestones.
Able to travel up to 30% on an ongoing basis.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in test methods and setups, and ability to conduct trade studies using engineering fundamentals to make recommendations with limited information.
Extensive experience with aerospace materials, including metals, plastics, and composites, and understanding of spacecraft and/or launch vehicle propulsion systems and fluid components.
CAD proficiency with NX 8.5 or similar packages such as PTC Creo or CATIA, and GD&T expertise per ASME Y14.5-1994.
Relevant experience with rocket motors, solid propulsion elements, and structural interfaces, including knowledge of insensitive munitions protocols and practices.
Master's degree or PhD in a technical discipline such as mechanical or aerospace engineering.
Hands-on experience supporting rapid product development, including designing hardware for high-rate production in alternative non-aerospace domains.
Currently hold an active DoD Secret Security Clearance or higher.

Responsibilities

Translate project objectives into cost-effective designs that can be produced at scale.
Lead the creation of solid rocket motor designs, working autonomously even with limited expert guidance.
Participate in prototype and production assembly, testing, and troubleshooting, providing expert guidance as needed.
Use rapid iteration cycles to validate product performance and make necessary design adjustments.
Produce, evaluate, and authorize CAD models and drawings according to internal standards and ASME Y14.5-2009 guidelines.
Assess and resolve hardware discrepancies, supporting the work with analyses when required.
Collaborate with supply chain and adapt designs to mitigate availability risks and delays.

Benefits

Meaningful long-term equity for full-time employees.
Four weeks of paid time off.
Ten company-paid holidays.
Comprehensive health benefits, including 100% employee-covered medical coverage and strong dependent coverage.
Dental and vision plans.
Paid parental leave.
$100 monthly fitness stipend.
Onsite EV charging.
Catered meals.
Company-covered food during high-demand periods.
Fully stocked kitchen.